Saudi Arabia Accused of Editing Negotiating Text
Saudi Arabia faces serious allegations of altering an official Cop29 negotiating text, sparking fears over the summit’s integrity. Traditionally, these documents are shared as non-editable PDFs to ensure fair participation among all nations. Allowing edits by a single party, experts caution, could jeopardize the transparency of the entire process.
The accusations center on Saudi delegate Basel Alsubaity from the Ministry of Energy. Edits linked to Alsubaity appeared in a critical text related to the just transition work program (JTWP), a key initiative aimed at promoting clean energy while addressing social inequalities. Observers claim other countries were neither consulted nor permitted to contribute to these changes.
Controversial Edits to Climate Goals
The updated JTWP text was circulated on Saturday by the Azerbaijani presidency, breaking standard protocol by including tracked changes. Two significant edits, attributed to Alsubaity, have drawn sharp criticism.
One key revision removed a clause urging nations to align their just transition strategies with the first global stocktake and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Catherine Abreu, director of the International Climate Politics Hub, called the edits a breach of established practices. She emphasized that allowing one party to alter these texts undermines the credibility of the negotiation process.
Growing Tensions at Cop29
The revelation has heightened tensions at Cop29, where actions by fossil fuel-dependent nations are under intense scrutiny. On Saturday, the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries walked out of a key meeting, accusing the presidency of sidelining them.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned the influence of oil-rich nations, describing it as a “geopolitical power play” that disproportionately harms vulnerable countries. Speaking before the editing scandal emerged, Baerbock urged the summit to prioritize the interests of small island nations over those of wealthy fossil fuel producers.
Saudi Arabia’s History of Climate Obstruction
These allegations add to longstanding concerns about Saudi Arabia’s role in climate negotiations. A 2023 report by the Climate Social Science Network documented the country’s consistent efforts to delay climate action while protecting its oil and gas interests. Despite facing rising temperatures and dwindling water resources, Saudi Arabia has shown limited commitment to meaningful climate reforms.
The current controversy underscores the difficulty of fostering trust and collaboration in international climate negotiations. Advocates warn that Saudi Arabia’s actions risk derailing meaningful progress at Cop29, calling for stricter oversight to ensure fairness.
Silence From Key Parties
The Cop29 presidency, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Saudi Arabia’s delegation have declined to comment. As the summit continues, the pressure mounts for all parties to uphold transparency and accountability. With global stakes so high, restoring trust is essential for meaningful climate progress.